Best way to trap and kill a fox?

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Okay, so let's clarify a couple of things:

First there is not really any trap properly called a "leg trap"... what is generally called by that name are properly called "coil spring" traps, or sometimes "foot hold" traps, although people confuse the term "foot hold" with "dog proof" traps.

Secondly, a properly sized coil spring trap catches the critter across the paw pad, and should not do any damage to the foot... it will make the toes numb, etc. though. There are even specialty coils springs called offset and padded coil springs, that have a softer catch to be even more safe. So it's generally not the use of the trap that is cruel or unethical, it's the misuse of the wrong size trap that causes issues.

I've caught and released many critters in coil spring traps, including some incidentals such as domestic dogs, and even a bald eagle once, and let them go with out harm to their foot or leg. Using a properly sized trap for the target animal is key.

But to answer the OP's question, the most effective (best ) trap for catching a fox is a coil spring trap... but the use of these traps typically takes a bit of experience and skill to use effectively, and there are regulations that might apply to their use depending on the location.

Cage style traps can be used for fox, but it can be much more difficult to get them to commit.

https://articles.extension.org/pages/10468/tools-and-techniques

https://thefurbearers.com/trapping-and-wildlife/types-of-traps

A more introduced primer. There are still regulations on foothold traps in certain states. In mine they are regulated in their spread. With our conservation office they are considered cruel especially if not checked more often than the regular 24 hour period. One ended my career as a game warden but that was a very large bear trap.

 

[OhZark Biddies]

https://articles.extension.org/pages/10468/tools-and-techniques

A more introduced primer. There are still regulations on foothold traps in certain states. In mine they are regulated in their spread. With our conservation office they are considered cruel especially if not checked more often than the regular 24 hour period. One ended my career as a game warden but that was a very large bear trap.

Indeed in many states, including mine, 24 check is required by law. Trapping regs are not universal, and everyone should educate themselves on those regulations before setting any kind of trap....even the ubiquitous cage style live trap, as some states and municipality have some hoops to jump through even for their use.

A quick look at the Indiana DNRs trapping regulations shows me that the organization regards regulated furbearer trapping as a management tool for maintaining a healthy population of critters, the same as most other state wildlife organizations. But I'm sure there are individuals in every organization that have their own views on the ethics of any legal method.

I'm sorry to hear that you were injured by a large bear trap. I have no experience with that type or size of trap, but know that they are dangerous for a number of reasons, and in most states they are banned for use. It appears your state has regulations in place that likely made that type of trap illegal to use and so it should not have been set at all. It's a shame that someone acted illegally and irresponsibly, in such a way that it ended your career.

 

[Gamefowl22]

Leg traps may be illegal where they are at. They are also ethically cruel.

Ethically cruel??? Sounds like an opinion and not a fact.

 

[Gamefowl22]

https://articles.extension.org/pages/10468/tools-and-techniques

https://thefurbearers.com/trapping-and-wildlife/types-of-traps

A more introduced primer. There are still regulations on foothold traps in certain states. In mine they are regulated in their spread. With our conservation office they are considered cruel especially if not checked more often than the regular 24 hour period. One ended my career as a game warden but that was a very large bear trap.

Foothold traps are not considered cruel. I highly doubt the Indiana DNR views them as cruel either. I question your “predator specialist” moniker too.

 

[Gamefowl22]

https://articles.extension.org/pages/10468/tools-and-techniques

https://thefurbearers.com/trapping-and-wildlife/types-of-traps

A more introduced primer. There are still regulations on foothold traps in certain states. In mine they are regulated in their spread. With our conservation office they are considered cruel especially if not checked more often than the regular 24 hour period. One ended my career as a game warden but that was a very large bear trap.

How exactly did a bear trap end your career. There’s only Maine left where you can trap bears and it’s live trap or foot snare only.

 

[Gamefowl22]

This method is probably a good one to follow for those of us who are not experienced trappers............

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/i-caught-my-fox-updated-now-with-the-video.677983/

Go to post #9 to see the video..........

While catching a fox in a cage can clearly be done it’s not the easiest thing to do and hardly worth the trouble when there’s easier ways to get it done.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

How exactly did a bear trap end your career. There’s only Maine left where you can trap bears and it’s live trap or foot snare only.

I was a game warden. A warrent issued for arrest and he had his yard set with a bear trap, non-teethed. I stepped right in it and it shattered my ankle and tore tendons and legiments. I have a permanent limp due to the injury and cannot walk to far without pain. Before you judge get the facts. I am specially trained in predator behavior with my wildlife management degree as I was required to have a 4 year degree from an accredited college to become a game warden.

 

[Chicken crossing the road]

or..... let the fox be and secure your chickens!!!
remove one fox and another moves in, better to find another way I think.

 

[Gamefowl22]

I was a game warden. A warrent issued for arrest and he had his yard set with a bear trap, non-teethed. I stepped right in it and it shattered my ankle and tore tendons and legiments. I have a permanent limp due to the injury and cannot walk to far without pain. Before you judge get the facts. I am specially trained in predator behavior with my wildlife management degree as I was required to have a 4 year degree from an accredited college to become a game warden.

I asked about the bear trap deal. I was only judging your ability to be a predator specialist since you provided some anti trapping links. I’m aware of the requirements to become a game warden in most states. I’m also not impressed with most game warden/conservation officers ability to do much more than write tickets and check shotgun tubes.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

I asked about the bear trap deal. I was only judging your ability to be a predator specialist since you provided some anti trapping links. I’m aware of the requirements to become a game warden in most states. I’m also not impressed with most game warden/conservation officers ability to do much more than write tickets and check shotgun tubes.

I fell victim to a trap that is archaic and barbaric. I sympathize with animals but believe in fair chase. I will hunt an animal and trap using a live trap and a .22 to dispatch said animal.